# Busbetrieb vs simREF

The clearest difference is update cadence: simREF at every 2 weeks against Busbetrieb's every 3 months. simREF also leads on ratings volume (3 vs 1). Busbetrieb's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Busbetrieb sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and simREF sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Busbetrieb against 5.0 for simREF. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 3 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Busbetrieb ships an update every 3 months, simREF every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Busbetrieb | simREF |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/busbetrieb-simulator-assistent/id1416751561/reviews) | [5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simref/id6753267206/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **3** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 27 MB | 148 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Niklas Polster](https://appshunter.io/developer/1488946346) | [Chris-Luca Fischer](https://appshunter.io/developer/1843257076) |

## What reviewers say

### Busbetrieb

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/busbetrieb-simulator-assistent/id1416751561)

Enhance your bus simulation experience with real-time data like speed, temperature, and delay. Control doors, IBIS, and ticket sales directly from your device. Manage shifts, communicate with players, and view company finances.

**Highlights:** Real-time trip information, Door and IBIS control, Ticket sales management, Shift cancellation, In-app chat and mail, Company notice board, Personal and global statistics

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| No ads | $2.99 | one-time |


### simREF

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simref/id6753267206)

This app provides quick-reference checklists and operational data for flight simulation on iPad. It features interactive normal and abnormal checklists, essential flight data, and a CG/Trim calculator for takeoff planning in a distraction-free, dark UI optimized for cockpit environments.

**Highlights:** Interactive Normal & Abnormal Checklists, Operational Data at a glance, CG/Trim calculator, Offline functionality, Dark UI for cockpit environments, iPad landscape optimized

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IndiGo Virtual Integration | $2.99 | one-time |
| simREF Full Access | $8.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Busbetrieb free?

Busbetrieb is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is simREF free?

simREF is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Busbetrieb or simREF?

Busbetrieb and simREF are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 3 ratings respectively.

### Do Busbetrieb or simREF have ads?

Neither Busbetrieb nor simREF shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Busbetrieb or simREF?

Busbetrieb ships an update every 3 months, and simREF every 2 weeks. Most recently, Busbetrieb was updated on September 30, 2026 and simREF on October 11, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*